Mind Meld

Goal: Think together (but separately) until everyone says the exact same word at the exact same time.

How to Play

  1. Start Round 1:
     All players count down together: “3… 2… 1…”
     On “1,” everyone says any random word at the same time.
  2. Bridge the Words:
     Players look at the words that were said.
     Everyone thinks of a new word that connects or relates to the previous set.
  3. Start the Next Round:
     Players count down again: “3… 2… 1…”
     Everyone says a new connecting word, simultaneously.
  4. Repeat:
     After each round, players keep trying to converge on a shared idea.
  5. Goal:
     Land on a round where all players say the SAME WORD at the SAME TIME.
     That’s a Mind Meld, and the game ends.

Key Rules

  • All players speak at the same time — no turns.
  • You must say ONE word per round.
  • Your word must be meaningfully connected to the words previously said.
  • You may NOT say the same word you said in the previous round.
     (Example: If you said “wind” in Round 3, you must choose something new in Round 4)
  • You may discuss prior rounds, but you may not:
    • pre-plan a target word
    • tell anyone what word you’ll say next
  • Any connection is valid as long as the group agrees it’s logical.

Variations

Lightning Mode

Only 2 seconds to think of your connection.

Silent Mode

No between-round discussion.

Genre Mode

All words must fit a chosen theme (e.g., “Animals,” “Fantasy,” “Food”).

Three-Player Triangle

With exactly 3 players, the group may briefly talk after each round to identify the “midpoint” between their words.

Example Round

Round 1:
 Players say: “Tree” … “Robot” … “Ocean”

Round 2:
 Players say: “Nature” … “Ship” … “Power”

Round 3:
Players say: “Wind” … “Energy” … “Wind”

Round 4:
Nobody may repeat “wind,” so players find a new connection…
Players say: “Renewable” … “Renewable” … “Renewable”
→ Mind Meld